Accuracy as of:
The airline’s growth reflects not only network expansion but also a consistent commitment to a friendly, reliable guest experience. WestJet’s culture emphasizes approachable service from its employees—affectionately known as “WestJetters”—and a mission to “enrich the lives of everyone in WestJet’s world by providing safe, friendly and affordable air travel.” [1][2]
Key Takeaways
- WestJet is a Canadian airline founded in 1996; it operates as part of the private WestJet Group (including WestJet Encore and WestJet Vacations). [1]
- Calgary (YYC) is WestJet’s global connecting hub, with an expanded intercontinental focus; Toronto and Vancouver continue to see significant service. [3]
- Customer experience highlights include the WestJet app, WestJet Connect entertainment, complimentary soft drinks & snacks on most flights 1+ hour, and a free inflight Wi-Fi program rolling out with TELUS/Starlink. [6][7]
- Loyalty has been refreshed: WestJet Points replaced WestJet Dollars in 2025, with broader earn/redemption and tier benefits. [8]
- Recent network and partnership growth includes new Asia services from Calgary and enhanced Europe access via expanded codeshares/interlines (Delta, Air France, KLM, SAS, Saudia, Copa). [9][10]
WestJet’s Customer Service Philosophy
At the heart of WestJet’s operations lies a customer service philosophy that prioritizes safety, caring and affordability. The company’s mission—to enrich the lives of everyone in WestJet’s world by providing safe, friendly and affordable air travel
—guides training, service design and community investment. WestJet encourages employees to take ownership of guest interactions and “act like owners,” a value reflected across its communications and in the work of WestJetters in the community. [1]
Customer-Centric Initiatives at WestJet
WestJet has deployed a range of guest-focused tools and services:
- WestJet app for booking, mobile boarding passes and real-time updates. [6]
- WestJet Connect inflight entertainment (streaming to your device) and paid Wi-Fi on most aircraft, complemented by a free Wi-Fi program rolling out via TELUS and Starlink starting December 2024 and expanding through 2025. [6][7]
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and a snack on most flights over one hour; additional food and beverage options available for purchase on many routes, with enhanced meal service on long-haul 787 flights. [6]
- Data-driven personalization through WestJet Rewards, including tailored offers and expanded redemption choices under the 2025 refresh. [8]
The Impact of WestJet’s Customer-Focused Approach
| Milestone | What it means for guests |
|---|---|
| Swoop integrated into WestJet (Oct 2023) | More consistent product & fare options across a larger 737 fleet. [4] |
| Sunwing Airlines integration completed (May 2025) | Unified narrow-body operations and expanded sun/leisure network under WestJet. [5] |
| Free inflight Wi-Fi program begins (from Dec 2024; expanding) | High-speed connectivity rolling out fleet-wide, enhancing productivity and entertainment. [7] |
| APEX 2026 Four Star Major Airline (Sep 2025) | Independent recognition of overall guest experience. [11] |
WestJet also advanced a Western-Canada growth strategy by centring its 787 Dreamliner operations in Calgary and expanding long-haul connectivity, including new services to Seoul and Tokyo. [3][9]
WestJet’s Customer Loyalty Programs
WestJet’s loyalty program—WestJet Rewards—transitioned from WestJet Dollars to WestJet Points in 2025. Members now earn and redeem on a broader set of items (including seats, bags, surcharges and taxes), with tiers (Teal, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and milestone awards. WestJet also maintains a co-brand credit card portfolio with RBC. [8]
Customer Feedback and Satisfaction at WestJet
Listening to Our Customers
WestJet gathers feedback via post-flight surveys, live chat, social channels and contact-centre support, informing service updates and digital improvements. [6]
Awards and Accolades
Recent recognition includes the APEX 2026 Four Star Major Airline designation (announced September 15, 2025). Rankings vary by study and year, but third-party awards and reviews reflect consistent strengths in friendly service and ongoing product upgrades. [11]
Motivating Excellence
Recognition helps reinforce service standards internally among WestJetters, complementing training and cabin refresh programs now underway. [5]
Challenges and Successes in Implementing a Customer-Focused Approach
As WestJet’s network has expanded and operations integrated (Swoop in 2023; Sunwing in 2025), maintaining a consistent guest experience across fleets/routes remains a focus. The airline continues to invest in employee training, aircraft cabin updates and digital tools to streamline service—while rolling out free Wi-Fi and expanding interline/codeshare partnerships to simplify end-to-end journeys. [4][5][7][10]
Future of Customer Service at WestJet
Looking ahead, WestJet plans continued investments in cabin consistency (including new seats and power at every seat on select aircraft), connectivity, and route development from Calgary. The airline has also committed to environmental initiatives aligned with industry goals and is pursuing an expanded Boeing orderbook to modernize and grow the fleet. [5][7][12][20]
If you’re planning a trip with WestJet Airlines, you may want to consider investing in a rechargeable hand warmer for travel. This handy device can keep you warm and comfortable during your flight, especially if you’re traveling to a colder destination. Check out this article on rechargeable hand warmers for travel for more information on this useful travel accessory.
FAQs
What is WestJet Airlines?
WestJet is a Canadian airline founded in 1996 and headquartered in Calgary. It operates an extensive network across North America, the Caribbean and Europe, with new direct services to Asia from Calgary. WestJet is part of the WestJet Group (which includes WestJet Encore and WestJet Vacations). As of , it is widely regarded as Canada’s second-largest airline. [1][9]
What is the fleet size of WestJet Airlines?
As of , WestJet Group references a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft across WestJet, WestJet Encore and WestJet Cargo. WestJet operates Boeing 737 (NG/MAX) and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft; WestJet Encore operates De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) turboprops. Boeing 767s are retired. [5]
What are the main hubs for WestJet Airlines?
WestJet designates Calgary (YYC) as its global connecting hub (and base for the 787-9 fleet). Toronto and Vancouver remain key markets with substantial schedules. [3]
What services are offered onboard?
Cabins include Economy, Premium (premium economy) and, on 787-9 aircraft, a lie-flat Business cabin. WestJet Connect provides streaming entertainment; complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and a snack are offered on most flights over one hour, with buy-on-board options and enhanced meal service on long-haul routes. A free inflight Wi-Fi program is rolling out (TELUS/Starlink) beginning December 2024 and expanding in 2025. Availability may vary by aircraft/route. [6][7]
What is the loyalty program?
WestJet Rewards now uses WestJet Points (since February 2025). Members can earn and redeem on flights (including taxes/fees), seat selection, baggage, cabin upgrades and WestJet Vacations packages. Tiers (Teal/Silver/Gold/Platinum) provide added benefits; co-brand credit cards are issued with RBC. [8]
Does WestJet have partnerships with other airlines?
Yes. WestJet maintains a codeshare with Delta Air Lines and has expanded codeshares with Air France and KLM. In 2025 it added interline partnerships with SAS (Scandinavian Airlines), Saudia and Copa Airlines, broadening one-ticket connectivity. [10]
References
- WestJet. “Who we are.” (accessed 2025-10-09). https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are
- WestJet. “Our history” (mission statement; first flight 1996). (accessed 2025-10-09). https://www.westjet.com/en-us/who-we-are/history
- WestJet. “Our history / strategy updates — YYC as global connecting hub (787 base).” (accessed 2025-10-09). https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are/history
- WestJet Newsroom. “The WestJet Group marks successful integration of ultra-low-cost airline Swoop.” Oct 30, 2023. News release
- WestJet Newsroom. “WestJet Group completes integration of Sunwing Airlines, successfully unifying all narrowbody operations under WestJet Airlines.” May 28, 2025. News release
- WestJet. Inflight & digital: “WestJet Connect” / “Inflight food & beverage” / “Mobile app.” (accessed 2025-10-09). IFE • Food & beverage • App
- WestJet Newsroom. “WestJet and TELUS form partnership … including free inflight Wi-Fi, delivered by Starlink.” Jul 24, 2024; plus coverage: Business Traveller. News release • Article
- WestJet. “The all-new WestJet Rewards — Say hello to WestJet points.” (program change & details). Feb 2025. Program page
- WestJet Newsroom. Asia & Europe network items (e.g., “Let’s Tokyo!” Apr 1, 2025; Seoul launch 2024), and routes pages. (accessed 2025-10-09). https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/news
- Airline partnerships (codeshare/interline): Delta partner page; AF/KLM codeshare expansion (May 14, 2025); SAS (Jun 11, 2025); Saudia (Jun 30, 2025); Copa (Aug 28, 2025). Delta codeshare • AF/KLM • SAS • Saudia • Copa
- WestJet Newsroom index (Sep 15, 2025). “WestJet proudly accepts the 2026 APEX Four Star Major Airline award.” News list
- Reuters. “Canada’s WestJet places order for 67 Boeing planes in fleet renewal plan.” Sep 3, 2025. Article
- (Supplemental fleet context) WestJet aircraft pages & Planespotters (current types/retirements). 787-9 • Dash 8-400 • Planespotters
